Somewhat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Somewhat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a moderate degree or extent of something, often in a context where you want to express that something is true to a certain extent but not completely. Example: "I am somewhat interested in the project, but I need more information before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So her protestations of ordinariness might all seem somewhat disingenuous – though it's refreshing to hear a pop megastar acknowledge concepts such as luck and chance, rather than grimly trotting out American dream cliches and Protestant work ethic myths – were it not for her own career decisions bearing it out.

The Guardian - Music

"The idea that students should seek permission for protest action somewhat misses the point of an occupation action.

The Guardian

Xosar has risen in stature as a figurehead of a somewhat cosmic live hardware scene, self-releasing records with titles such as Psychick Justice, while simultaneously checking in with a plethora of tastemaker labels.

The Guardian - Music

But the site's credibility was undermined somewhat when Monster's Patty Jenkins was last night revealed to have taken the job.

The Guardian - Film

The situations are somewhat different (although not by much, some would argue).

The Guardian

A car is a must for exploring this somewhat sprawling island, and handy for picking up groceries to cook in the cottage kitchens – taking taxis will put a good dent in your budget.

The Guardian - Travel

The works, which he trailed on his Instagram account last night, include one piece which somewhat resembles Rodin's sculpture The Thinker, with the figure's hand gone from thoughtfully supporting his face to covering it in despair – or perhaps Niobe, the classical figure weeping for the loss of her children.

The Guardian - Arts

Or when she started making out with a somewhat surprised Bono?

The Guardian - Film

Then Snoop himself emerges in the guise of his recent dancehall reggae persona Snoop Lion for a laid-back rendition of Here Comes The King that suggests he's somewhat subdued by something.

The Guardian - Music

Fitzpatrick said he was "somewhat confused by looking at the explanations for the price rises over the past three or four weeks because we do not see really the same impact, especially in wholesale commodity prices.

The Guardian - Business

We shouldn't be surprised to see growth moderate somewhat from the very robust rate in the preceding quarter.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider replacing "Somewhat" with "To some extent" or "Moderately" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "Somewhat" in casual conversation, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for alternatives like "Kind of" or "A bit" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Somewhat" is as an adverb of degree. As supported by Ludwig, it modifies adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to indicate a moderate extent or degree. It adds a layer of qualification to statements, softening their impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Somewhat" functions as an adverb of degree, indicating a moderate extent. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and versatile, primarily used in news and media. While alternatives like "Moderately" or "To some extent" exist for formal contexts, it’s crucial to avoid overusing "Somewhat" in informal speech to maintain a natural tone. Best practices include employing "Somewhat" to add nuance and moderation to statements. As supported by Ludwig, this ensures precision and balance in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Moderately

Formally indicates a medium level or degree.

Fairly

Indicates a degree that is adequate or just.

To some extent

Highlights that something is partly true but not entirely.

To a certain degree

Emphasizes the limited extent of something, focusing on the degree to which it is true.

Rather

A simpler, more direct way to indicate a moderate degree.

Reasonably

Suggests a degree that is acceptable or satisfactory.

Slightly

Focuses on a small degree or difference.

More or less

Indicates approximation or near accuracy.

Kind of

An informal way to express a moderate degree.

Passably

Implies that something is acceptable but not excellent.

FAQs

How can I use "Somewhat" in a sentence?

"Somewhat" is typically used as an adverb to modify adjectives or verbs, indicating a moderate degree. For example, "I am "somewhat tired"" or "The movie was "somewhat entertaining"".

What are some alternatives to "Somewhat"?

Alternatives include "moderately", "fairly", "slightly", "to some extent", and "rather". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "Somewhat" at the beginning of a sentence?

While less common, it is grammatically acceptable to start a sentence with "Somewhat" to introduce a nuanced or qualified statement. For instance, "Somewhat surprisingly, the experiment yielded unexpected results".

What is the difference between "Somewhat" and "A little"?

"Somewhat" and "A little" both indicate a small degree, but "Somewhat" often implies a more considered or formal assessment, while "A little" is generally more informal. "I am "somewhat concerned"" suggests a thoughtful worry, whereas "I am "a little concerned"" conveys a milder, more casual worry.